30 after Hurricane Andrew, Neighbors 4 Neighbors still making a difference

MIAMI – When native officers known as for assist from the “cavalry” within the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, they had been searching for federal assist.

But what got here first was an outpouring of assist from inside South Florida, our personal neighbors banding collectively to get by way of the disaster.

And from that, Neighbors 4 Neighbors was born, altering numerous lives within the three a long time since.

The mission of Neighbors 4 Neighbors is to attach these in want with those that can assist.

(*4*) mentioned Katy Meagher, Executive Director of Neighbors 4 Neighbors.

“It showed that the power of media is so important to get the message out and what we can do with it. We’ve been able to take what was just a relief effort at the time and turn it in to 30-year organization and that’s really special.”

Back then, it was known as Neighbors Helping Neighbors and a easy cellphone financial institution related these in want with those that may assist due to the facility of TV and the neighborhood’s generosity. 

After Andrew, Neighbors 4 Neighbors advanced into a useful resource for individuals going through on a regular basis crises from meals insecurity to vacation assist. 

“We’re not tied to any one cause. So we’re able to step in wherever that need is,” Meagher defined.

And the necessity has been nice.

In 30 years, Neighbors 4 Neighbors has:

– Stepped in with a million {dollars} price of catastrophe help after Hurricanes Andrew, Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Dorian together with the Haiti earthquakes in 2010 and 2021.

– Directed greater than $1.5 million for covid aid and restoration.

– Raised greater than $310,000 for Surfside constructing collapse victims.

– Handed out 50,000 backpacks stuffed with college provides and uniforms.

– Made the vacations brighter for 30,000 households with greater than $9 million in items by way of its Adopt A Family program.

But none of that might be doable with out you, our CBS 4 viewers who frequently open your hearts when your neighbors want it most.

“Neighbors 4 Neighbors doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country. This partnership between a television station and a non-profit is absolutely unique,” Meagher mentioned. 

“People ask ‘How do you do that?’ Well, we’re sisters, we’re cousins we’re best friends and we know this is really powerful and works really well.”

And here is how crucial assist from Neighbors is, particularly after a storm.

Meagher says they’re still providing to assist related to losses and harm from Hurricane Irma 5 years in the past.

“We can make a difference so easily,” Meagher mentioned. “People simply want the chance. They must know whether or not they can financially help or bodily help by volunteering or donating items or giving of their time and abilities. We have mainly the entire platform for them to fill that want at any given time from a small factor to a enormous factor like a storm.

For extra information and to seek out out how one can assist, go to Neighbors4Neighbors.org.